Coconut oil has several uses. It can be used for cooking, as a moisturizer, and now, apparently, to lighten skin color.
People have claimed that coconut oil can help improve skin color due to its bleaching properties. The theory is that it removes unwanted pigment in the skin, causing it to lighten.
This is not a proven fact, however. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that coconut oil cannot be used as a means to prevent skin darkening.
However, there are other oils that can help with skin darkening, such as linseed or tea tree oils. These have been noted to have positive effects on skin coloration by the WHO.
How does it work
Coconut oil has many uses beyond cooking with it. One of the most popular uses is to moisturize the skin. Many people believe that coconut oil will moisturize the skin and somehow bleach the skin as well.
The theory is that because coconut oil breaks down cracks in the skin, it will wash off some of the darker skin as it washes off. By constantly applying coconut oil, less new darker skin will grow, leaving the lighter colored skin.
However, experts say this theory is bogus. Dr. Daniela Calzatti, a dermatologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, told CBS News that there’s no scientific evidence that supports this claim. She says there’s no evidence that coconut oil whitens your skin or even moisturizes your skin better than other oils do.
But according to Health Line, if your dry skin is due to an allergy or a protein called keratin in your cell walls, then oils may help because they are lipophilic (meaning they can penetrate cell walls).
Does it really work?
Coconut oil for skin has become a huge phenomenon in the last few years. Many people have claimed that it has helped clear up acne, caused skin to be smoother and more moisturized, and even claimed that it has caused skin to lighten in color.
The theory behind coconut oil for skin is that it contains lauric acid. As you wash your face, the oils dissolve other substances such as dirt and dead skin cells.
Lauric acid helps remove these layers too, but coconut oil also acts as a protective layer that prevents new layers of dead skin or acne bacteria from settling into the skin.
If you wash your face with only coconut oil, it will not prevent new acne or dry skin from developing, however.
What are the side effects?
Coconut oil is considered a safe and natural treatment, but like any treatment, there are some side effects you should be aware of.
Some people may be allergic to coconuts or coconut oil. If you have a severe allergy to coconuts, you should avoid coconut oil. Otherwise, it is usually fine to use.
Some people find that their skin gets slightly dryer or flaky after using coconut oil. If your skin is already dry, then this could be a problem. To help prevent this, moisturize with a non-comedogenic oil or cream before applying the coconut oil.
If you find that your hair does not absorb the coconut oil, then try warmed up it before using it. This will help enhance its penetrative properties and better coat the hair.
There are no serious adverse effects associated with using coconut oil as a hair and skin care treatment, but if you find that it is not working for you, then try switching up your treatments.
Can I use any kind of coconut oil?
When choosing a coconut oil, make sure it is pure coconut oil. Some may contain fragrances or moisturizers, which can cause skin irritation. If you want a scented coconut oil, look for one that is made with olive oil as a base instead of sesame or avocado oil.
The best kind of coconut oil to use for skin lightening is refined coconut oil. This type of coconut oil has been processed to remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants. It has a very high smoking point, making it good for using in bath and body products.
If you have very sensitive skin, then try using unrefined virgin coconut oil. It still has all of the antioxidants that will help your skin, but it may be more harsh on your skin. Start with a little bit and see how your skin handles it!
Both virgin and refined coconut oils work well in beauty treatments.
What are some other oils that might work?
Some other oils that might work to lighten your skin include sunflower oil, almond oil, and grape seed oil. All of these are cheaper than coconut oil, and some can be found at your local supermarket.
Many of these oils require you to wash your hands after applying to your skin, so it is important to have enough on hand.
Some people even recommend using a mixture of these oils together for better results. Once again, test this out before bed to make sure you do not break out in a rash or wake up with oily skin.
If you find that your skin is getting too oily due to the oil treatments, you can wash your skin with water and mild soap or facial cleanser. Make sure that you still apply the coconut oil at night before bed to help prevent dryness and cracking.
What are some natural ways to lighten your skin?
Some people prefer to lighten their skin via natural ways rather than via the product market. If you are interested in naturally lightening your skin, then there are some ways to do so.
Some people believe that keeping your skin hydrated will cause your skin to be lighter because you are targeting the deeper layers of the skin where the pigment cells function.
Using products like coconut oil or olive oil on your skin may help this as well. By using oils, you are also exposing your skin to more sunlight which can enhance this process.
Using products that contain alpha arbutin is another way to naturally lighten your skin. This chemical is found in various plants like bearberry and maple sap. It works by blocking a molecule that creates darker pigment cells in the skin.
Are there any products that contain coconut oil?
Coconut oil products are becoming more and more popular as time goes on. There are many products that contain coconut oil, including shampoos, conditioners, face washes and moisturizers, body oils and moisturizers, and toothpastes.
Some people make their own coconut oil products to reduce the cost. For example, you can make your own coconut oil based shampoo by using melted coconut oil instead of water. This would make a thicker lathering shampoo that would wash out easier due to the thick texture.
To make your own coconut oil based facial cleanser, mix melted coconut oil with baking soda to create a soft scrub texture. This will clean the skin just as well as any other facial cleanser!
Using coconut oil in place of other oils in body lotions and moisturizers will keep your skin soft and smooth. As mentioned before, using it in toothpaste will help clean the teeth and get rid of bad smells.
Should I use coconut oil for my whole body?
Yes, you can use coconut oil for your entire body, however, it may not be the best idea. Some people have suggested that using coconut oil on your whole body can help improve skin inflammation and dryness, which is a good thing.
Dry skin is a problem for many people, and since coconut oil helps with this problem, it is a good choice. However, if you use it on your whole body, you will have to wash it off eventually.
How would you do that? Well, you would have to take a bath or shower, which would take up some time and water. It may not be the most cost-effective thing either.
It is better to use coconut oil in smaller areas like hands or feet to test its effects instead of using it all over your body.
